6 Buzzy New Fort Worth Restaurant Openings and Pop-Up Dinners to Know
Plus, Vandelay Hospitality's Hudson House Expands to a Cowtown Suburb
BY Edward Brown //
Vandelay Hospitality Group’s Hudson House brings its signature lobster rolls, cheeseburgers, and “World’s Coldest Martini” to Southlake in 2026. (Courtesy Hudson House)
From Magnolia Avenue to North Tarrant County, Fort Worth’s dining scene is buzzing with new energy. A mission-driven coffeehouse is bringing wellness to West Magnolia, a Miami-born pizzeria has landed in West 7th, and a Cajun newcomer is serving big flavor up north. Meanwhile, one of Texas’ most recognizable restaurant groups is expanding into Southlake. Here’s what’s new — and what’s next — across Fort Worth’s evolving restaurant landscape.
Hudson House to Open in Southlake Mid-2026
When Hudson House first opened in Fort Worth in late 2023, the East Coast-inspired restaurant by Vandelay Hospitality Group quickly became a local hit. The upscale chain famed for its “World’s Coldest Martini” is now set to open mid-2026 at 1131 E. Southlake Boulevard, giving Southlakers their own destination for the chain’s famed avocado dip, classic cheeseburgers, tuna towers, and lots of East Coast oysters and other delectable seafood options.
Bread & Better Life Café Opens on West Magnolia Avenue
Bread & Better Life Café, a 3,000-square-foot coffee shop that blends community, comfort, and conversation, recently opened at 1010 W. Magnolia Avenue. The café pairs hand-baked pastries and specialty espresso drinks with free daily workshops focused on wellness, relationships, and personal growth. Bread & Better aims to nourish both body and spirit through classes on topics like mindfulness, grief recovery, and financial health. The airy space features exposed brick, oak furnishings, and cozy corners like The Nook and The Community Room
Basement Lounge Launches Third Monday Pop-Ups with Chef Cecilia
The Basement Lounge is introducing a new Third Monday Milpa Supper Club led by Chef Cecilia Lopez. The $24 pop-up dinner features seasonal dishes like snapper ceviche, pork belly with agave chili glaze, and citrus granita with masa crumble. The first event takes place Monday, October 20, from 5 pm to 10 pm (arrive and leave as you wish) at 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 125, with future dinners planned for the third Monday of every month.
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza Opens in West 7th District
The Miami-born Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza has opened its newest location at 628 Harrold Street, Suite 100, off West 7th Street. This marks the brand’s second Fort Worth restaurant, following the Alliance opening in June 2025. The gourmet pizzeria is celebrated for its ultra-light, crisp dough and high-quality ingredients imported from Italy. Its signature creation, the Star Luca, features a star-shaped crust filled with ricotta cheese, spicy salami calabrese, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil.
BobaLou Delivers Bubble Tea and Paninis to the Near Southside
Fort Worth’s Magnolia corridor just got sweeter with BobaLou, a lively café blending bubble tea, paninis, gelato, and bubble waffles. Located at 1054 W Magnolia Ave, the café serves sammies like the pastrami panini, Turbacado Club (turkey, bacon, avocado spread, honey potato bread), and roast beef melt, along with sweeter treats like Bubble Waffles and pancake pops.
Fall & Halloween Gifts
Cocodrie’s Bayou Kitchen Brings Creole Cuisine to the North Side
Cajun comfort food has found a new home in North Richland Hills with the opening of Cocodrie’s Bayou Kitchen at 5209 Rufe Snow Drive. Set in a 40-year-old café now operated by restaurant owner Jesse Gibson, the North Tarrant County eatery hits every Louisiana note. Guests can expect blackened redfish crowned with étouffée, seafood and chicken-sausage gumbos, and po’boys built on pillowy Gambino’s bread.
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